Resources | Jazz Links | Recommended Listening | Application for admission to this course (Don’t show up without advanced permission!)

 

Harvey Mudd College Fall 2010

Music 84: Jazz Improvisation

What this course is about:

This course introduces theory and practice of modern jazz improvisation, from basic harmonic concepts through solo and group performance. The level is typically beginning through intermediate, with some advanced players also participating. Each semester we base our playing on tunes by a specific celebrated composer/performer. This semester it is saxophonist/composer Wayne Shorter. (We have previously featured Horace Silver, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Golson, John Coltrane, Tom Harrell, Freddie Hubbard, and Gerry Mulligan.)

 

Instructor

 

Bob Keller 1253 Olin (office hours 4-5:30 MTW, by drop-in, or by appointment), keller at cs dot hmc dot edu, x 18483

 

Catalog Description

The art of simultaneously hearing, composing, and performing music. Chords, scales, chord progressions, and tunes of modern jazz. Theory, listening, analysis, and group practice in improvisation skills. 1.5 Credit hours, may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Music-reading ability, ability to play the twelve major scales on one's primary instrument, motivation to play jazz, permission of the instructor. Please complete the application for admission to this course if interested. Note: Repeating for credit is by invitation only, based on progress and attendance in the previous semester.

 

Meeting Time and Place

Wed. 8:30-10:00 p.m., 2nd Floor, Sprague Library

 

Requirements and Grading

Participation and practice 40%, Written work 30%, Final Performance 30%. The proficiency level of participants generally varies widely. Accordingly, grading is based on diligence, rather than absolute performance level.

You are expected to practice daily. It will require self-motivation and effort. If you have no intention of exerting yourself, please don't sign up for this class. It is not intended as a casual jam for those who don't practice between meetings.

Please note: Attendance at class is absolutely required. If you need to be excused, please ask in advance, because unexcused absences will affect your grade negatively.

 

Required Materials

There is a required book and CD combination: Jamey Aebersol playalong, Volume 33, Wayne Shorter Jazz Classics for all instruments (available direct from Huntley Books or from the publisher http://www.jazzbooks.com/). Everyone except drummers please acquire a copy. We will also use the free Impro-Visor software tool from HMC.

Possible Instrumental Tunes (with YouTube Links)

There are many other covers of these tunes on YouTube. I just picked a few for instructional purposes.

Optional Materials


There are several good jazz theory books. Ask me if you'd like a recommendation for one to suit you.

Also see the Resources link at the top of the page.

Concept Outline

Listening suggestions

Jazz rhythmic style

Intervals , Inversions

Playing  

Cycle of fifths

Major and minor chord structures:

  • Triads
  • {Major, Minor}{7, 9, 69, #11/5b}

Dominant and other chord structures:

  • Dominant {7th, 13th}{ #5, #11, #9, b9}
  • Diminished {triad, 7th}
  • Dominant {7th, 9th} sus 4
  • Augmented triad

Resolution of dissonant intervals

Chord resolutions, Voice leading

Blues progression

Use of leading tones

 

Concept Outline (continued)

Scales

  • Major scale modes
  • Melodic minor scale modes
  • Whole-tone scales
  • Diminished scales

Keyboard voicings

  • Open voicings
  • Shell voicings
  • Rootless voicings
  • Quartal voicings

Solo analysis

Solo construction

{Minor, Minor} ii-V-I progressions
and keyboard voicings

Tritone substitutions

Secondary dominants